First up, was the Desert Bloom tote. The fabrics are by Sherri and Chelsi for Moda and they are just perfect for this cool fall weather that we are getting. I finished up with this tote and almost wanted to go rake up some leaves to jump in. But I resisted and finished up the second tote instead ;)

I was lucky enough to have a bit of Desert Bloom yardage on hand that was left from some secret sewing, so I lined it in the happy yellow and then added some navy handles. I just love how the yellow makes me smile, it is like a pocket of sunshine hidden in your tote ;)

And the second tote is the Manderley Tote. The Fabrics are by Franny and Jane, and this was a special little tote for me because Jane gave me this Charm Pack at Spring Market to make something beautiful with, I think this tote totally fit in that request :) So pretty!!!

I didn't have any Manderley Yardage though and didn't want to wait for some to ship, so I used some fun prints that went along with the beautiful charm squares for the handles and lining. I love this gorgeous grey flower from Riley Blake that I had in my stash and it made the perfect lining and then added a pop of color with this gumdrop print from Dear Stella. So fun!!

However, I do a few adjustments when I make mine - I don't cut the charms down to 4 1/2" square, I just leave them at the 5" square that they come as. I have since made a full step by step tutorial on how to make these totes here, with Amanda's permission, that includes my alterations. Just for your reference ;)

So because of that, when it is time to cut the lining, I cut mine at 18 1/2" x 18 1/2" square. I also like to do my gusset corners a little differently then Amanda does. I showed in this bag tutorial (a reversible take on this patchwork one ) how I like to do my gussets, which is what makes the bag square on the bottom ;)

They finish up at 16" high and 17" in length on the top of the bag and 13" in length at the bottom of the bag (because of the gusset :) and are 5" wide. It is a perfect side tote for Library Bags, Piano Bags, and the list can go on and on :)

And those are the main alterations that I am doing that are a little different than Amanda's tutorial ;) I should probably just make a tutorial of this tote with the alterations the next time I whip one up. Would that help???

Yes! That would help us out a lot because I simply love your totes. I want one now for myself.Or mabybe I could just buy yours instead. Thank you for all that you do to help us all out and for keeping us busy.

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